Year 7 student, Patrick Dale, is a young entrepreneur who started a marshmallow business back in 2021. Patrick has now been selected as one of six National Finalists in the Edstart Entrepreneurship Grant competition. Winners will be announced on 17 October, and we wish Patrick all the best of luck.
We recently met with Patrick and asked him to share with us a little bit about his business.
My business, Sweet Tooth Marshmallows, started in November 2021 when I could not find Chocolate Marshmallows in supermarkets or shops and the marshmallows available lacked flavour and texture. My business answer the question of “Why are there no chocolate marshmallows available in shops and supermarkets and why do the marshmallows available lack flavour and texture”.
With the help of my Mum we spent the following two months researching, testing and creating our own unique recipe. We gave our marshmallows to friends and family at Christmas and received amazing feedback with everyone wanting more.
In January 2022 I commenced attending local markets. I have now created over 25 flavours of marshmallows, which we sell at the Foreshore Markets in Port Macquarie, Laurieton Riverwalk Markets, and Old Bar Community Markets on a monthly basis. I also attend other markets and you can find my marshmallows at The Witchy Nook in Horton Street in Port Macquarie too.
Personally, my favourite are Choc-Caramel – Chocolate and Caramel. My new flavour of raspberry was very popular and sold out quickly when launched this month.
My goal is to have soft as a cloud, full-of-flavour marshmallows that are preservative free and focus on natural flavours. My marshmallows are also gluten free.
I have learnt so much from my business, and developed my entrepreneurship skills. I have also connected with so many amazing people and have attended and presented at a number of local and national events. I was named at the National Teens in Business Awards 2023 – Australian Tween Entrepreneur 2023.
I’m currently in the processing of launching my website shop, and we currently mail marshmallows around Australia. Please keep an eye on my website which will be www.sweettoothmarshmallows.com.au
My marshmallows are award winning. I won an award at the 2023 Sydney Royal Fine Food Awards – a Gold Medal for Chocolate, and Silver Medals for Coffee and Vanilla Bean Lamington flavours. In the 2024 Awards I won a Bronze Medal for Strawberry and Chocolate Rum and Raisin Marshmallows.
Creating a viable business, I love to meet my customers, experiment with new flavours and grow my entrepreneurship skills. I could not be where I’m today without my family support.
My business goals are to grow my business and brand and continue to develop my entrepreneurial skills. Being a finalist in the EdStart Awards is amazing, and if I was to win the award, the prize will go towards growing myself as an Entrepreneur and growing my business.
Patrick Dale
Sweet Tooth Marshmallows
